The darkness approaches much earlier these afternoons as I make my way through my home turning on magical holiday lights that bring me instant comfort and joy. The table top tree with its blinking white lights, my glittering water lantern and one single strand of light up snow capped mini evergreens set the tone and feel for this week’s story.
I have to admit that ever since I was a little girl, I was captivated by the power and color of light. I remember sitting in the backseat of my parents’ car with my sister as they drove us around neighborhoods during the holiday season to admire each home’s illuminated display as we stared in awe and wonder.
I know I am not alone in my fascination for the beauty of light and the sun. Human nature compels us to seek light, so it’s natural for us to be drawn to its radiant glow. The ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians made significant medical uses of light. The Egyptians were believed to have built temples where sunlight shone through colored gems such as rubies and sapphires onto people seeking color healing.
When Barney crossed the rainbow bridge and my world went dark, I too relied on the healing property of light to help me through my journey of grief. Through integrated therapies, and a wise woman’s knowledge, I would envision the calming and soothing color of emerald green as I placed little battery operated tea lights in a path of sorts, from room to room, to help me gain clarity for the bright future ahead.
As my heart twinkles and shimmers with a million memories of my Barney during the festive season, I now have a newfound appreciation of the amazing blessing of “Light” and what it means to be able to give and receive it.
Tomorrow morning, when I open my window to stream sunshine into my favorite room of the house, I will look up to heaven with a sense of well-being and think of this one famous quote. “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”